Lobsterman works to save son’s life

Lobsterman Don Hebert is using his livelihood to help save his son’s life. Hebert’s son, Michael, 7, was diagnosed last year with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that attacks the lungs and digestive system.

Hebert plans to give away lobsters at the town pier this week or next to spread awareness of the disease. He will announce the day of the giveaway in The Patriot Ledger or on the Web site.

“I’m giving them away to anybody who comes down to the pier,” Hebert said this week. “Just to make them aware of it would make me happy.”

“This is how I’m releasing my pain, by doing this,” he added. “I’m doing this for my son and I’m doing this for the disease.”

Hebert, who plows for the town, and several other volunteers are also pledging to plow driveways and shovel steps and walkways for free so they can raise awareness of the disease.

The drivers, who will give out pamphlets to residents, are getting gift certificates for breakfasts and gas at local stores.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the country. A defective gene causes the body to produce a thick, sticky mucus that can be life-threatening. There is no cure.

Hebert and his wife, MaryAnn, found out that Michael had the disease last September, the day before he started kindergarten.

During preschool, MaryAnn Hebert said, he started coughing. After many visits to the doctor, they started doing tests. Because Michael was adopted, the Heberts didn’t know his full health history.

Now 7, Michael is in first grade at Governor Winslow Elementary School. He goes to Children’s Hospital in Boston for therapy and uses a therapy vest twice a day that helps loosen the mucus. He also takes many different medications each day, his father said.

Hebert said the hospitals have told him that they are close to a cure but need more money. He said he’s happy if people donate even $1 for his efforts, or just be become more aware of what cystic fibrosis is.

“I want to see a cure for this,” Hebert said. “I’m not going to stop until they have one. My son is not going to die before me. I promised him I wouldn’t let it happen.”

To make a donation in Michael’s name online, visit cff.org. To contact Don Hebert about free plowing for cystic fibrosis, call 617-694-6585.

Sydney Schwartz is at sschwartz@ledger.com.

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